Are you looking for the cava franchise business? then you need to know the cava brand…. In a world increasingly driven by health-conscious choices and fast-paced lifestyles, Cava has carved out a strong niche with its bold Mediterranean flavors, customizable meals, and mission-driven brand. As one of the fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant chains in the United States, Cava combines the convenience of modern dining with the authenticity of ancient culinary traditions.

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., Cava has expanded rapidly with over 240 locations nationwide and counting. In 2023, the company went public—cementing its place as a major player in the food industry. This growth has sparked interest from entrepreneurs and investors who are eager to explore the Cava franchise opportunity.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about opening a Cava franchise in 2025—from the investment required and ongoing royalty fees to expected returns, franchise support, and frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a seasoned foodservice operator or a first-time franchisee, this blog will give you the clarity you need to decide if Cava is the right fit for your portfolio.

What Is a Cava Franchise?

Cava is a Washington D.C.-based fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. Think of it as the “Mediterranean version of Chipotle,” where customers can build their own bowls, salads, or pitas with ingredients like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, hummus, tzatziki, and saffron basmati rice.

Founded in 2006 by three Greek-American friends, Cava Group has grown from a single full-service restaurant to a fast-growing brand with over 300+ Cava locations across the U.S. The company made headlines in 2018 after acquiring Zoe’s Kitchen, another Mediterranean chain, and began converting those locations into Cava outlets.

Some key highlights of Cava’s model:

• Focus on healthy, bold-flavored food
• Quick service with customizable meals
• Tech-driven operations with online ordering and loyalty programs
• A strong brand presence and loyal customer base

So with such success, why isn’t Cava franchising?

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Why Consider a Cava Franchise?

Investing in a Cava franchise taps into powerful consumer trends—health-conscious eating, customization, and fast-casual dining. According to industry data, Mediterranean-inspired restaurants lead in growth due to perceived health benefits and fresh ingredients. That makes the Cava franchise a compelling opportunity for both new and experienced restaurateurs.

Is Cava a Franchise?

Short Answer: No, Cava is not a franchise.

Despite its fast-paced growth and popularity, Cava operates under a corporate-owned model. That means every Cava location is owned and managed directly by the company—not by independent franchisees.

Why Isn’t the Cava Franchise Available?

There are several reasons why the Cava franchise isn’t available for public investment:

1. Control Over Brand and Operations

Cava has a strong brand identity, and maintaining quality across locations is a top priority. By owning every store, the company can ensure:

• Consistent customer experience
• Strict control over ingredients and sourcing
• Standardized training and staff management
• Seamless integration of tech and data systems

This level of control would be harder to maintain across independently owned franchise locations.

2. Access to Capital

Most brands franchise because it allows rapid expansion with less capital investment. But Cava isn’t short on funding. In fact, Cava has raised hundreds of millions in private equity and went public (IPO) in 2023, giving it direct access to capital markets.

This means they don’t need to rely on franchisees to fund growth.

3. Aggressive Growth Strategy Without Franchising

Instead of franchising, Cava is converting Zoe’s Kitchen locations and opening new stores in high-potential markets. Their in-house development team scouts and manages new openings quickly and efficiently.

Franchising, while useful for expansion, can also slow down decision-making and dilute brand value when not tightly managed.

Why So Many People Search for “Cava Franchise”?

If you’ve typed “Cava franchise” into Google, you’re not alone. Investors and franchise seekers are drawn to the brand because of:

• Its massive growth trajectory
• Healthy eating trends
• Comparisons to other fast-casual giants like Chipotle, which is franchised internationally
• The success of other Mediterranean food franchises

But the truth remains: Cava does not offer franchise opportunities.

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What Are the Alternatives to the Cava Franchise?

If you’re an investor looking for opportunities in the health-focused or Mediterranean dining space, here are some franchise alternatives to Cava you can explore:

Franchise	Focus	Franchise Availability
The Great Greek Grill	Mediterranean Bowls & Pitas	✅ Yes
Pita Pit	Healthy Sandwiches & Wraps	✅ Yes
Garbanzo Fresh	Mediterranean Bowls	✅ Yes
Freshii	Salads, Smoothies, Wraps	✅ Yes

1. The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill

• Offers a similar Mediterranean menu
• Available for franchising in the U.S.
• Backed by United Franchise Group

2. Pita Pit

• Popular for pita sandwiches and healthy wraps
• Well-established franchise model
• Operating globally

3. Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh

• Fast-casual Mediterranean bowls and pitas
• Strong franchising infrastructure
• Focus on fresh, simple ingredients

4. Freshii

• Not Mediterranean, but health-focused
• Franchise-friendly
• Menu includes wraps, bowls, smoothies, and salads

These brands may not have Cava’s size yet, but they offer similar business models with proven franchising success.

What Should You Do If You’re Interested in the Cava Franchise?

While you can’t currently invest in a Cava franchise, here are some smart steps to take:

✅ Keep an Eye on Cava’s Franchise Policies

Cava may revisit franchising in the future if market dynamics change or if international expansion demands local operators.

✅ Study Cava’s Business Model

Understanding why Cava succeeds can help you apply those strategies in your own venture—or even adopt them if you invest in a similar brand.

✅ Explore Similar Franchises

As mentioned above, several emerging and established Mediterranean and health-forward franchises are open to investors right now.

✅ Invest in Franchise Consulting

Use expert help (like from FranchiseStory or FranchiseBhoomi) to match you with suitable, high-growth franchises in the food sector.

Final Thoughts: Cava Franchise – A Missed Opportunity or a Smart Strategy?

Cava’s decision not to franchise isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a calculated business move that ensures high-quality operations, brand consistency, and data-driven decision-making. While that might be disappointing for franchise investors, it’s also a signal that the fast-casual Mediterranean space is ripe for opportunity.

If you’re looking to ride the healthy dining wave, now’s the time to explore franchise brands similar to Cava that welcome entrepreneurs like you.

faq – Cava Franchise investment details